The love of sailing in the Basque Country comes from long ago. The Basques were the first ocean-going vessels to reach Newfoundland in the XVI century and its construction technique was studied as a pioneer in Europe; Elcano (Getaria-Basque Country) was the first sailor to circumnavigate the world; the sailing club “Real Club Marítimo del Abra-Real Sporting Club” (Getxo-Basque Country) is the oldest in Spain and partook at the America’s Cup; José Luis Ugarte (Getxo-Basque Country) was the first Spaniard sailor to participate in a solo ocean competition; Iker Martinez and Xabier Fernandez (Gipuzkoa-Basque Country) have won two Olympic medals in sailing and several world championships… So nobody is surprised that the first monographic sailing festival in the world is held in Bilbao.

And there we were, invited by its director Urtzi Sagarribay, who has spent the last three years spreading the word about sailing and its values; narrating adventures and transmitting the freedom that the sea brings through films, photography exhibitions, round tables, technical talks and/or involvement with sailors of the first order.

We share these values and fondness and enjoy living this exceptional experiences with our guests: surfing the Cantabrian coast in search of whales, competing with fellow companies in a regatta, organizing a meeting on a floating platform, holding an event in the rationalist exclusively for members sailing club.

So congratulations to all the team for this very inspirational festival. Next year, once again we will share marine adventures around there. Until then, we take the words of Sir Robin Knox-Johnston: “If you believe in yourself, do it. Do what you like, but be the best at it”.

go Basquing team